According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.3 million people in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis. RA is not a disease of the elderly, but affects young adults and children as well. An RA diagnosis may change your life, but it doesn't have to rob you of your running lifestyle.
Definition
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, pain and subsequent joint damage. While new medications help slow the progression of the disease and manage pain for patients, researchers have not found a cure for RA. The progressive nature of the disease leaves some sufferers disabled and crippled. Aggressive, early treatment and lifestyle changes help RA patients manage their disease and can even put RA into remission.
Significance
Exercise increases an RA patient's functionality, according to Zuzana de Jong, PhD, of Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. For someone who suffers from RA, an increase in the ability to perform day-to-day activities offers increased independence. High-intensity exercise, such as running, also improves mood, which staves off the depression associated with chronic pain.
Considerations
Classically, RA affects the small joints of the upper body, though it can cause damage to any joint. If your RA is not in your weight-bearing joints, you should not have trouble running. You can use a knee brace designed to reduce the strain put on arthritic knees if your RA does affect your knees. If you are overweight, consider a weight-loss plan to reduce the strain on your joints before taking on a high-impact sport like running.
Precautions
RA affects each individual differently. During an RA flare, fatigue and increased pain may make it impossible to exercise. Pushing through pain to run may only increase your body's inflammatory response, leaving you feeling worse at the end. Always work with your doctor to design an exercise program than works for you. Make adjustments to your exercise routine to reflect the changes in your RA.
Alternatives
For the die-hard runner, it may be impossible to find a substitute for your daily jog, but you can still get the exercise you need if your RA prevents you from running. Water jogging and water aerobics take the impact off your joints completely for those who have weight-bearing joint damage. If you can comfortably stand and walk, a workout on an elliptical machine offers an aerobic workout with minimal strain on your lower body. Staying active within your limits will only improve your overall health.
